THE WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS AGRICULTURE

Agriculture

Get informed.Let’s grow our province

BETTER TOGETHER.

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SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ................................................

FARMER SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT ...................................................

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC SERVICES .......................................................

VETERINARY SERVICES ......................................................................................

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ............

STRUCTURED AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING ...........

EXTERNAL HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES ..............

RURAL DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................

Contents

Sustainable ResourceManagementThe purpose of this programme is to provide sustainable resource management solutions and methodologies through the provision of agricultural engineering and LandCare services, proactive communication, facilitation and implementation of projects as well as technology transfer to clients and partners.

The programme is also responsible for the implementation and management of disaster aid schemes and to provide comments on applications for sub-division and/or rezoning of agricultural land.

The programme is structured into four sub-programmes:

• Engineering Services

• LandCare

• Land Use Management

• Disaster Risk Management

ENGINEERING SERVICESIrrigationThe irrigation section is responsible for improving the effective utilisation of irrigation water. The Fruitlook project utilises satellite imagery to determine the actual crop water use, any water deficit, biomass produced and 6 other growth parameters. This information is provided to farmers on a weekly basis to increase their water use efficiency and increase crop production. The service provided also includes the evaluation of irrigation systems, both the designs and in-field evaluation, and technology transfer regarding scheduling and system operation. The service provided for small farmers includes the evaluation of water resources and the design of irrigation systems.

MechanisationThe mechanisation section renders a full service regarding mechanisation planning and the utilisation of farming implements and equipment. Technical advice and support are provided to farmers who want to change from conventional- to conservation farming practices.

Farm StructuresA comprehensive planning and design service is available for animal housing and handling facilities, as well as the handling of waste from these facilities and labour accommodation. Plans for water reservoirs and farm worker accommodation are also available. Affordable animal housing structures are also designed for small-scale farmers.

Food Processing and Value AddingTechnical advice is provided regarding on-farm food processing and value-adding facilities of products produced by farmers. This includes drying, cooling, canning and other value-adding processes.

Soil ConservationThe service rendered by this section includes the planning and design of intricate soil conservation and erosion protection structures.

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LANDCAREThe conservation of the natural resources of the Western Cape is vital for the agriculture industry and all inhabitants of the Western Cape who rely directly and indirectly on these resources.

Here, the department concentrates on the following fields to obtain its mission of striving to rebuild, maintain and improve the natural resources by promoting efficient conservation practices to all land users:

• Resource conservation projects by means of Farm Planning, specifying the location and design of protection, drainage and veld utilisation works.

• LandCare projects, which concentrate on the development of the natural resources of previously disadvantaged communities.

• Pro-active resource conservation projects, which involve pro-active ways of preventing the extensive degradation of natural resources, for example through area-wide planning.

LAND USE MANAGEMENTProtection of our limited agricultural resources is a priority of the department and this sub-programme provides comment on all applications for sub-dividing and/or rezoning of agricultural land.

Sub-division and rezoning of agricultural land evaluations is based on principles of sustainable agriculture, viz.: socially acceptable, economically viable, ecologically feasible, reasonable production and long term sustainability. A sound balance between these principles is necessary when evaluating a proposal.

DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENTThis sub-programme provides support services to clients with regard to agricultural disaster risk management. The services provided include risk prevention, mitigation and recovery services after natural disasters.

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Farmer Supportand Development

The Farmer Support and Development Programme (FSD) encompasses the broad development agenda of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, meaning that the design and implementation are predominantly for supporting black farmers in the Western Cape Province, but does not exclude the commercial sector.

This programme aims to deliver on the provision of extension, support and facilitation of training to farmers, with special emphasis on developing of smallholder farmers, implementation of land reform programmes and agricultural rural development projects.

The following services and support are provided:

• Ensuring a sustainable support mechanism for new and established farmers (including land reform beneficiaries);

• Measuring the impact of interventions as delivered by the programme;

• Leveraging investment from the private sector and commodity groupings;

• Ensuring quality and standards of service and advice to farmers, and ensuring assistance to municipalities and other government departments with the implementation of food gardens for communities and households.

THE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Farmer Settlement and DevelopmentTo support sustainable land and agrarian reform projects through the provision of planning and settlement support services.

Extension- and Advisory ServicesTo support farmers to increase production for markets through the provision of extension- and advisory services; the facilitation of training for commercial, smallholder and subsistence farmers; the co-ordination of rural agricultural projects and the facilitation of organisation development and capacity building of farmer groups.

Food SecurityTo facilitate access to affordable and diverse food through the coordination and implementation of household and community food security projects as part of the Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

CasidraTo support the Department with project implementation and state farm management.

The department also boasts its own popular publication “Agriprobe” – a quarterly publication packed with interesting research articles and other topics. The famous “Elsenburg Joernaal” forms part of this publication.

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Agricultural EconomicServicesThe economic security of the Western Cape agricultural sector is something that cannot be taken for granted, but which must be nurtured and cultivated. In the extremely competitive global environment characterised by fast-changing consumer preferences and the market environment, the services of this programme provide a buttress for this security. The services are provided through its four divisions i.e. Marketing and Agribusiness; Production Economics; Statistics and Macro and Resource Economics.

MARKETING AND AGRIBUSINESSAccess to markets and information, fair participation, retaining and repositioning into sustainable markets are some of the critical concerns that this division aims to address. The focus is skewed towards the identification of market opportunities and risks through research, packaging and dissemination of such information through appropriate channels. While the research conducted focuses on traditional markets, there is also research conducted for niche and differentiated products and industries that need to be developed and exploited.

Facilitation of market access e.g. establish links with buyers, provision of compliance support and training related to market and market access to ensure uptake of identified opportunities at both local and international markets are also among the services provided. This component also aims to improve the bargaining power of farmers, sharing of expertise and collective pulling of resources through facilitation of co-operative development. The division also promotes agribusiness support through value-adding, provision of advisory services to unlock opportunities provided by the AgriBEE Charter, facilitation of partnerships and acquisition of funding for increased investment in the sector.

PRODUCTION ECONOMICSWith the change of the nature of competitiveness from land, labour and capital to information and knowledge, the root of global agricultural competitiveness is embodied in farming systems and farm management practices. This division research and analyse the relative competitiveness of local farming systems and management practices in relation to international best practice. The results of these actions are wrapped in advice packages and disseminated to the whole spectrum of clients. Due emphasis is also placed on advice in financial record-keeping, budgeting, business plan development and evaluation, and facilitation of funding alternatives.

STATISTICSIn order to monitor trends and to make good decisions at all levels of responsibility (both within and outside the department) good and reliable data or statistics is critical. It follows that it is necessary to develop a comprehensive database in order to monitor certain actual trends in the agricultural sector. The Statistics Division maintains several databases ranging from enterprise prices to land price movements, game species prices and pluri-activity data and information and others. Aggregated data is generally available to clients. The client data needs play an important role in developing new databases on demand and these are identified through recorded requests (enquiry database) that the division also maintain. The data is also analysed and packaged for dissemination through various platforms.

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MACRO AND RESOURCE ECONOMICSTrends and data are not enough to ensure sound decisions, but are needed to distil the truly crucial variables and to evaluate the impact of these on the agricultural economy of the Western Cape. As mathematical and/or computerised models are a representation of reality, reality can be “changed” under controlled conditions in order to evaluate the impact of a specific variable. However, models are only a representation and simplification of reality. Consequently various angles on the same problem need to be developed. The purpose of this division is to develop and use the necessary sector and multisector level models to evaluate the impact of various local and international environmental and policy measures on the agricultural and agribusiness sector, including the economy of the province. Due emphasis is also placed on resource economics research to promote sustainable use of natural resources in the context of climate change (valuation and management of the natural resources; renewable resources as alternatives; water resource allocation and management, agriculture and the environment etc.).

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Veterinary Services

The programme Veterinary Services is responsible for managing animal diseases, risks and the safety of foods from animal origin in accordance with national and international standards and conventions. The legal mandate for executing these functions is vested in the Animal Disease Act, 1984 and the Meat Safety Act, 2000. The primary focus is on active and passive disease surveillance, disease control and prevention interventions, export facilitation of animal products and the delivery of a diagnostic laboratory service.

ANIMAL HEALTHThe overall challenge for the Animal Health component of Veterinary Services is to address, in full, the needs of its expanded clientele and to effectively manage the risks posed through globalisation for the introduction and spread of animal and food-borne diseases.

Disease surveillance and monitoring activities are being adapted, moving away from manual and physical inspections to a more targeted and scientific approach supported by the effective utilisation of rapid and scientifically verifiable technologies and diagnostic procedures.

This component has the responsibility to apply the Animal Diseases Act within the Western Cape. Official veterinarians and animal health technicians stationed within 8 State Veterinary areas distributed within the province execute the functions demanded by this Act.

In addition to the above regulatory responsibilities, officials are intimately involved in servicing the small scale farmer sector. This is achieved by regular visits to holdings to inspect livestock, providing assistance with the treatment and vaccination of animals, collection of diagnostic samples and the dissemination of information on preventive and corrective animal health.

FOOD SAFETY AND EXPORTThe Food Safety and Export sections are responsible for the application of the Meat Safety Act. State veterinarians and meat inspectors monitor and audit the application of hygienic procedures at abattoirs to ensure compliance with the Meat Safety Act. Hygiene management practices at abattoirs, meat and dairy export establishments; the humane handling of animals presented for slaughter; the setting of standards for new abattoirs and the grading of existing facilities, are important functions carried out by these officials.

VETERINARY LABORATORIESThe Provincial Veterinary Laboratory (PVL) in Stellenbosch renders a diagnostic service to the programme, the private veterinary sector, other departments, such as National Health and Nature Conservation, and commerce associated with the agricultural sector. A diagnostic service is also rendered to the dairy, beef, sheep, pork and racehorse industries, as well as the poultry, ostrich and aquaculture sectors. A veterinary laboratory has also been established at the state veterinary office in Beaufort West.

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Research and Technology Development Services

In order to keep abreast of technological developments in agriculture, and to ensure that all the agricultural role-players of the Western Cape are provided with the most advanced scientific and technical advice, the department provides timely and relevant research and technology development services in the six districts of the Western Cape. Of utmost importance is converting the research rand into an information rand – this means that scientific information should reach the commercial and smallholder farmer at farm level, making our farmers more sustainable and competitive in local, national and international markets.

Industrial and urban development place tremendous pressure on our natural resources. Therefore, the department’s resource scientists and geographical information centre play a prominent role to ensure the optimum utilisation of our scarce resources, soil, water and natural vegetation. The agricultural practices applied and research agenda are all focussed on optimal resource-use efficiency and advocating climate smart agriculture. The identification and prioritisation of research needs are of utmost importance, whilst networking with industry organisations and other partners are continuously strengthened and expanded.

The programme is structured into sub-programmes: Research, Technology Transfer Services and Infrastructure Support Services and operates as the directorates of Animal Sciences; Plant Sciences and Research Support Services. The latter directorate includes the sub-directorates: GIS Services; Analytical Services and Farm Services.

The research portfolio of the department is executed mainly within the directorates of Animal Sciences and Plant Sciences, with a smaller research portfolio in the directorate Research Support Services. The programme also has seven research farms serving as open-air laboratories and centres of excellence to support research efforts in the districts of the Western Cape. The directorates collaborate through partnerships with several tertiary institutions in the Western Cape and other provinces, the ARC and various industry organisations.

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ANIMAL SCIENCESThe directorate Animal Sciences provides animal science services to stakeholders and includes the disciplines of breeding, reproduction, feeding and management. Major expertise lies in small stock, dairy and ostrich research. Extensive research facilities also include a feeds laboratory, whilst the directorate is the owner of eleven herds and flocks of national importance, which are crucial in the research effort. Our Oudtshoorn research farm is also home to the world-renowned ostrich research team and facilities – the only one of its kind in the world.

PLANT SCIENCESThe directorate Plant Sciences focuses on the areas of sustainable agronomic, vegetable, rangeland and pasture production systems, alternative crops, crop protection in the areas of weed science, plant pathology and entomology, as well as soil-plant interactions.

Conservation agricultural practices in grain, potato and pasture systems for dairy are one of the most important advocated. The directorate has the only dairy pasture research group in South Africa linking biological soil management with pasture management and milk production, quality and ultimately gross margins for producers.

RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICESThe directorate Research Support Services renders a support service to the department’s research team and external stakeholders. An analytical laboratory for soil, water and plant analyses provides a pivotal service to scientists and producers in the Western Cape, whilst a diagnostic service for plant diseases addresses enquiries in this regard.

The directorate also provides soil science, climatological (risk and potential) management, crop estimates and spatial analysis services (GIS) to an array of clients. Online decision making tools and novel technology transfer technologies are also developed.

The directorate also includes infrastructure support services (farm services) with the research farms situated at Nortier (near Lamberts Bay), Langgewens (near Moorreesburg), Elsenburg, Worcester (Veld reserve), Tygerhoek (near Riviersonderend), Outeniqua (near George) and Oudtshoorn, and operate as open-air laboratories and centres of excellence where research projects of particular importance for that region, are executed. Projects and trials are frequently visited by producers and other role-players from these regions. Our farms also serve as research hubs for tertiary institutions, locally and abroad, the institutes of the ARC and other role players in the agricultural value chain.

INFORMATION DISSEMINATIONInformation emanating from research is disseminated to producers in effective, problem-focussing and user-friendly technology packages. This includes on-farm visits and consultations, online via the department’s website, lectures, scientific and popular papers, radio talks, press releases and various other forms of technology transfer. Several farmers’ information days, as well as walk and talks, are also annually held and bring the latest technology to district and farmer level.

The department also boasts its own popular publication “Agriprobe” – a quarterly publication packed with interesting research articles and other topics. The famous “Elsenburg Journal” forms part of this publication.

Structured Agricultural Education and Training

ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTEThe Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (also referred to as Elsenburg College) was established in 1898 and was the first centre for agricultural training in Africa. In the Republic of South Africa, the college has secured an eminent track record in agriculture and especially in the field of agricultural training.

At present, training programmes are offered at Higher Education and Training (HET) and Further Education and Training (FET) levels.

HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAININGThe following qualifications can be obtained:

• B.Agric degree (3 years)

• Higher Certificate in Agriculture (2 years)

• Diploma in Agriculture (1 year)

• Short Skills Courses

• Learnerships (1 year - NQF levels 1 to 4)

The above-mentioned training is based on farming enterprises and demands, with the main focus on the agro-ecological regions of the Western Cape.

The major subjects for the B.Agric degree are: Agronomy and Pastures; Large and Small Stock Production; Horticulture; Vegetable Production; Viticulture; Wine Science; Agri-tourism and Extension Science. A choice of any two of these subjects must be completed as majors, supplemented by prescribed compulsory subjects.

The Higher Certificate in Agriculture is a two-year course specialising in one of two programme options similar to the B.Agric, except for Wine Sciences.

The objective is to maintain a healthy balance between theory and practice and practising the philosophy of “Training by doing” is an important feature during practical sessions. Close collaboration with researchers from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and commercial farmers is a special supporting feature, enhancing the standard of tuition.

DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURETraining in Cellar Technology is very popular, with 85% of the wine-makers in the Western Cape having acquired their qualifications at Elsenburg. The practical training provided is unique and past students leave the Institute as professional and proficient wine-makers with expertise on a commercial scale. This is a one-year modular programme aimed at training candidates as wine-makers.

Admission requirements: Higher Certificate in Agriculture or an equivalent qualification with 60% average in Extension and a project/farm with a mentor for the period of study that is approved by the Faculty Management.

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A diploma in Extension is a one-year modular experiential training programme, dealing with various aspects of Extension Science.

A diploma in Vegetables and Agronomy is also a one-year modular experiential training programme focussing on Production, Agricultural Management and Natural Resource Management.The admission requirement for the above diploma qualifications is a Higher Certificate.

Equine Studies is a two year National Instructors Course for Riders (fulltime). Part–time training for horse handling and horse riding is also available. The admission requirement is a Higher Certificate with Mathematics.

FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAININGA learnership is a learning programme which empowers the student with an occupational qualification. The learnership approach includes classroom-based theoretical learning, practical- and workplace experience. Various learnerships, registered by AgriSETA and accredited by SAQA, are offered on NQF levels 1 to 4 to both genders.

Admission requirements:• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, with basic

numeracy/literacy and communication competencies equivalent to NQF level 3 (Grade 11);

• School leavers from agricultural schools (Grade12), and

• Youth, women and unemployed individuals from previously disadvantaged communities involved in agricultural projects.

COMPULSORY: Access to land or farm for practical purposes.

SHORT COURSESThe Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute provides short skills courses to farm workers; small-scale-, commercial and resource poor farmers; beneficiaries of the national land reform programme as well as anybody who desires to study agriculture and related fields.

Various short skills courses are presented on farms, in rural communities, at the main campus of Elsenburg College and at the FET decentralised training campuses in George, Oudtshoorn, Bredasdorp and Clanwilliam.

These short skills courses cover a wide range of study fields, including Irrigation, Tractor Maintenance, AVCASA (responsible for the handling of agricultural chemicals), Marketing, Financial Management, Animal Production, Vegetable Production, etc.

The focus of these short courses is on the practical applications, supported by relevant theoretical principles. Once completed, students will have the required skills to cope with the demands of the workplace.

External Human Capital Development Initiatives

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has a number of external human capital development initiatives from which its clients can benefit.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMEThe department is committed to skills development by providing opportunities for unemployed matriculants, undergraduates and graduates through an Internship Programme.

Graduate InternshipThis refers to the individuals who have already obtained a qualification in a SAQA accredited Further Education and Training- or Higher Education Institution.

Student InternshipThis refers to the students who are studying towards a SAQA accredited qualification, but are required to undergo practical experience towards obtaining their qualification.

Premier’s Advancement of Youth (PAY) Internship Project for Grade 12’sThe project provides learners who finished matric in the previous year with the opportunity of a one-year internship the following year.

Applications open during January of each year and the project is advertised on the Western Cape Government website: www.westerncape.gov.za (Premier’s Advancement of Youth (PAY) Project)

BURSARY/SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMEThe department awards bursaries to students studying full-time at a Higher Education Institution, towards obtaining a SAQA registered qualification in an agricultural related field. Scholarships are also available to High School learners studying mathematics and sciences who have been identified as potential candidates for further studies in the agricultural fields. THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PERSONS (YPP) PROGRAMMEThis programme is an affirmative action programme to specifically empower previously disadvantaged individuals from the following designated groups: Black, Coloured, Indian, women (White women included) and people with disabilities, who have been accepted by a recognised Higher Education Institution for Honours- and Masters degrees, through the gaining of experience and mentorship in obtaining their qualification in the scarce and critical skills of the agricultural sector.

AGRICULTURAL PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (APFYD)This project specifically focuses on rural youth and children of agri workers. It offers bursaries/scholarships, internships, learnerships, a bridging course for mathematics and science learners and a summer/winter school at Elsenburg College.

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INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMEThe interns appointed on this project will be placed with external host employers who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

BURSARY/SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMEThe bursary/scholarship programme for the APFYD Project is the same as for the External Development Initiatives mentioned above and carries the same requirements for consideration.

LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMMEAs part of the APFYD Project, 10 learners will be funded annually to attend a learnership offered by Elsenburg College.

RuralDevelopment

In a dynamic world where migration to urban living is the norm and sustainable rural livelihoods are under significant pressure, this programme aims to coordinate development programmes amongst stakeholders in rural areas. 

The programme’s purpose is threefold and is facilitated by three sub-programmes:

1. Rural Development Coordination: focusing on initiating, planning and monitoring development efforts amongst the three spheres of government in specific rural areas to ensure that identified needs are responded to through an integrated approach. 

2. Social Facilitation: dedicated to engaging communities on rural priorities and provides institutionalisation and organisational support to ensure their participation in development initiatives towards deeper social cohesion.

3. Farm Worker Development: geared towards enhancing the image and socio-economic conditions of agri workers and their family members through training and development initiatives.

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THE VALUES:

Contact us: Tel +27 021 808 5111 • Fax +27 21 808 5000 • info@elsenburg.com www.elsenburg.com • www.westerncape.gov.za Private Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607 • GPS: 18° 50’05.00”E 33° 50’42.93”S

AccountabilityWe take responsibility.

IntegrityTo be honest and do the right thing.

CaringTo care for those we serve and work with.

ResponsivenessTo serve the needs of our citizens and employees.

CompetenceThe ability and capacity to do the job we were employed to do.

THE VISION:

External visionOpen opportunity for all.

Internal visionTo be the best-run regional government in the world.

Better TogetherThe Western Cape Government has a duty to provide opportunities. Citizens have the responsibility to make use of them.

Let’s make use of provided opportunities and make the Western Cape BETTER TOGETHER.

InnovationTo be open to new ideas and develop creative solutions to problems in a resourceful way.